“I welcome the
publication today in Korea’s official gazette of its Import Health
Requirements, which puts the April 18th United States -Korea
beef import protocol into effect. With this step, we look forward to the
resumption of shipments of safe, affordable and high quality U.S. beef to Korea,
so that Korean families will have the opportunity to enjoy the same delicious
beef that American families do. We urge Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China to join Korea
and others in reopening their beef markets based on science and internationally
recognized guidelines and standards.

“The Administration
remains committed to working with Congress to get the landmark United
States -Korea Free Trade Agreement approved
this year. Both nations stand to benefit from this agreement, with the
resumption of beef trade providing further evidence of these important bilateral
trade ties.”